This week’s WIP focus is on refining character expressions for emotional impact. Expressions convey more than just emotions; they tell a story.
In my example above from the Frontier story I'm doing my best in pencil stage to convey a pointed conversation between individuals from three different factions of control. It is a meeting of the minds on a topic of mutual interest to all three but only one of them appears to express satisfaction in his ability to command the situation to his liking. Can you tell by the way I've sketched this scene out? How did I do create a sense of tension between the three.
I've my own opinion about the success of this panel, but if you were the editor knowing the details as I have imparted them to you above how would you do in amending this panel? I'd love to see it if you're comfortable sharing!
Here are perhaps a few ways to work towards improving this panel or your own.
Key Elements to Improve
- Eyebrow Shapes – A slight arch can shift a neutral face into concern or curiosity.
- Mouth Curvature – A subtle line change can turn a smile into a smirk or a grimace.
- Eye Details – Squinted eyes can indicate suspicion or laughter, while wide eyes express shock or wonder.
I suppose you can ascertain from today's posting why this falls under Wednesday's topic and not necessarily Manga Mondays....I've my work cut out for me in improving this and a few other penciled panels before taking them into inking!
Exercise
Take a character you’ve been working on and sketch a range of five different expressions. Push each one to its extreme to see how much emotion you can convey.
